It's not about genetics. Scientists have found an unexpected reason for the difference in height between men and women

December 15, 22:30 Share:

On average, women are shorter than men. (Photo: pexels)

A new study suggests that cultural factors may have influenced the height difference between Neolithic men and women in northern Europe.

The study was based on data from 1,535 people who lived during the Neolithic era and included DNA analysis, stable isotopes to assess diet, paleopathology to study health status and skeletal measurements.

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The results showed that even with the same genetic makeup, women's height in North-Central Europe was lower, possibly due to cultural preferences that favored men's recovery from stress.

In the Mediterranean region, the height difference between the sexes was reduced, which may indicate a lack of similar cultural preferences.

However, scientists do not specify what kind of stress we are talking about.. But they emphasize that in many cultures the difference in height is very pronounced. First of all, we are talking about polygynous societies.

The researchers stressed the importance of understanding the influence of cultural factors on biological processes and noted that the results could help better interpret the genetic, environmental and cultural landscapes of Neolithic Europe and the world.